Cedar City, UT | FAQs
 

Planning your first visit to Cedar City, Utah? 

Cedar City is a year-round travel destination in southern Utah, known for its proximity to red-rock landscapes, gorgeous national parks, world-class theater, and seasonal festivals/events. With an almost even driving distance between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, Cedar City makes a great base camp, offering a blend of scenic outdoor exploration, vibrant local culture, and even a backyard ski resort! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There's a lot to know in planning a getaway, so we've got you covered with a few frequently asked questions at the top. 

What is Cedar City known for? 
Cedar City is known for its unique mix of outdoor adventure and performing arts, offering visitors easy access to mountain scenery, national parks, and year-round cultural events. 

Visitors often visit for:

• World-class theater at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
• Skiing and summer mountain biking at Brian Head Resort
• Scenic hiking and incredible mountain bike trail systems
• Small-town dining and shopping
• Awe-inspiring views at Cedar Breaks National Monument
   

Is Cedar City a good base for national parks? 
Yes! Cedar City is located between Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park (with other beautiful areas in between). Cedar City is 1 hr 30 minutes away from Bryce Canyon National Park and 1 hr 15 minutes away from Zion National Park.

Is Cedar City a good fit for families? 
Yes! With affordable recreation in nearby national parks and recreation areas, a free nightly Greenshow at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Southern Utah Museum of Art, and incredible stargazing, it's easy to plan an accessible and affordable family vacation for visitors of all ages.

Where is Cedar City & How Do I Get There? 
Cedar City is located in Iron County, Southern Utah, and is reachable via Interstate-15 and served by Cedar City Regional Airport. Visitors can also fly into Salt Lake City (SLC) or Las Vegas (LAS) and drive to Cedar City as part of a southern Utah road trip itinerary. 

When is the best time to visit Cedar City? 
Spring through fall bring mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, while winter offers snow sports at Brian Head. 
 

Brian Head & Brian Head Resort |  FAQs

Planning your first trip to Brian Head, Utah?

Brian Head is a year-round mountain destination in Southern Utah best known for its high-elevation scenery, outdoor recreation, and access to Brian Head Resort. Brian Head offers a relaxed alternative to larger resort towns with dramatic landscapes and easy access from Cedar City and Las Vegas. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There's a lot to know in planning a getaway, so we've got you covered with a few frequently asked questions at the top. 

Is Brian Head good for beginners? : Yes! With a free on-ski experience for all first-time skiers, a Kids Ski Free program, and two mountains with varying difficulty, Brian Head is great for beginners. 

How high is Brian Head, Utah? : Brian Head is the highest base-elevation resort in Utah at 9,800 feet with a summit of 11,000 feet at the top of the Giant Steps Lift.

When is the best time to visit Brian Head? : For skiing and winter recreation: November - early May. For mountain biking, cooler temps, and hiking: Late June - September. 

What can you do in Brian Head besides skiing?: In winter: snowshoe hiking, stargazing, snowmobile tours, ice skating, x-country skiing. In summer/fall: Scenic drives, ATV tours, hiking, mountain biking, and more. 

 

⛰️ Elevation, Weather, and Things You Need to Know

There are a LOT of questions about Brian Head's elevation, and we completely understand that! So we're here to answer a few of those below. 
 

How high is Brian Head? Is the Resort Higher? What's the Highest point in Brian Head? 

Brian Head town and the Giant Steps Lodge of Brian Head Resort sit at 9,800 feet in elevation (2,987 meters). The highest point in Brian Head is Brian Head Peak at 11,312 feet (3,447 meters). 
 

Does altitude affect visitors in Brian Head? 

The simple answer is, yes. Most visitors notice the elevation difference in cooler temperatures and a little less endurance on the hiking trails.
If you start to feel ill or like elevation sickness might be affecting you, a drive down the canyon for dinner in Parowan and a little time at lower elevations can usually help. If you continue to feel ill, our friends at Intermountain Health can help at their clinic in Parowan, Utah. 
 

What should I pack for a Brian Head visit? 

Layers! In winter, you'll want layers and snow boots, snow pants, goggles/sunglasses, and any gear you might need for your winter adventures. In summer, bring sturdy hiking boots, a light jacket, and a heavier jacket/coat for evenings. It cools off quickly at 10,000 feet +, and those layers make all the difference. 
 

Do I need 4wd or AWD to get to Brian Head in Winter? 

Yes, 4WD (4 wheel drive) or AWD (all wheel drive) is strongly recommended to get to Brian Head in winter. The road from Parowan to Brian Head (Hwy 143) is well-maintained, it is a steep mountain ascent that can quickly get covered in drifts, snow, and ice. Check the UDOT cameras ahead of time to check conditions and UDOT recommendations for travel. 

Planning your first visit to Parowan, Utah? 

Located just minutes from Cedar City and along the route to Brian Head and Cedar Breaks National Monument, Parowan offers visitors a blend of pioneer heritage, scenic surroundings, and small-town charm. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, discovering nearby natural attractions like Parowan Gap, or adding a quieter stop to your Southern Utah itinerary, Parowan provides a distinctly authentic travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

There's a lot to know in planning a getaway, so we've got you covered with a few frequently asked questions at the top. 

What is Parowan known for? Parowan is a picture-perfect small town with NO stoplights, and a perfect blend of historic charm, proximity to Brian Head Resort, beautiful scenery, and an authentic, quiet, small town experience. 
 

Why is Parowan called "The Mother Town"? Parowan was the first permanent settlement in the region. It was established on January 13th, 1851, by Mormon Pioneers as a hub for exploration in the area. 
 

How far is Parowan from Cedar City/ Brian Head? Parowan is a 22-minute drive from Cedar City and a 19-minute drive from Brian Head.
 

Is Parowan worth visiting? Yes! Parowan is a great, quiet getaway steeped in western history and surrounded by beautiful high-desert scenery. Parowan is a great place to unplug, relax, and enjoy a quiet, slow vacation. 
 

🌄 Nearby Attractions and Scenic Areas

Parowan is surrounded by some incredible scenery, and all of it is easy to get to within a short drive! 
 

Parowan Gap Petroglyphs: With over 90 panels and 1,50 figures, the Gap is believed to be one of the most concentrated collections of petroglyphs in the west and one of the most accessible. The different cultures who traveled through this natural passageway are evident by the hundreds of petroglyphs carved into the Parowan Gap's stone walls. 
 

Yankee Meadow Reservoir: This reservoir is surrounded by towering volcanic cliffs, meadows of wildflowers (great in July) and beautiful fall color in late September/ early October. This is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and hikes around the reservoir. 
 

Parowan Canyon Disc Golf Course: The course crosses the river and follows the Parowan foothills with a challenging course and beautiful views along the way. Plus, the course is minutes from town, just barely up the canyon. 
 

Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard & Dry Lakes Ranch Beef: A picture-perfect farm with incredible farm breakfasts, weekend summer events, and a self-serve farm shop, Sweet Pea Farm is a must! Dry Lakes Ranch Beef has become a popular destination all their own for high-quality, fresh local beef. 
 

5 Mile Picnic Area (Yankee Meadow Rd): The rising red cliffs behind you, a gentle stream, and ten first-come-first-served picnic sites are only part of the reason locals (and visitors) love this picnic area. The scenery around it is gorgeous, and in the fall, this is a great picnic spot while out on your fall color drive.